Davido, Tyla and Rema are preparing to bring African music to one of the world’s biggest stages after FIFA confirmed a series of performances featuring some of the continent’s most influential entertainers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations.
The announcement marks another milestone for Africa’s rapidly expanding creative economy. It also highlights how Afrobeats and African culture continue to shape global entertainment, sports and popular culture.
Nigerian superstar Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, will headline FIFA’s official World Cup Countdown Concert on June 10 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event serves as the final countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and is expected to attract global attention from football fans, music lovers and international media.
Davido will share the stage with Major Lazer, the globally recognized electronic music group led by American DJ Diplo. FIFA described the concert as a celebration of football, culture and music, designed to unite audiences from around the world ahead of the tournament.
The selection reinforces Davido’s position as one of Africa’s most successful music exports. Over the past decade, the singer has transformed from a regional hitmaker into a global Afrobeats ambassador, selling out arenas, topping charts and collaborating with some of the biggest names in international music.
Meanwhile, South African Grammy-winning sensation Tyla will also play a significant role in the World Cup festivities.
The singer is expected to perform in Mexico City on June 11 before joining Nigerian hitmaker Rema at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles the following day during activities surrounding the tournament’s opening match.
Their participation demonstrates how African artists have become central figures in major international entertainment events.
Both Tyla and Rema have enjoyed remarkable success over the past two years, helping introduce African sounds to new audiences across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Beyond music, Africa’s influence will extend into dance and performing arts.
Uganda’s internationally acclaimed Ghetto Kids have secured an invitation to perform alongside Colombian superstar Shakira during one of the World Cup’s entertainment showcases.
The appearance represents a major achievement for the dance troupe, whose inspiring story has captured global attention.
Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids use dance and creative arts to support vulnerable, orphaned and disadvantaged children in Kampala.
What began as a community initiative has evolved into one of Africa’s most recognizable youth performance groups, attracting millions of followers across social media platforms and earning international recognition.
For Kavuma, the invitation carries significance beyond entertainment.
He described the opportunity as a powerful source of inspiration for children facing hardship and uncertainty.
According to him, the performance sends a message that dreams remain possible regardless of circumstance and background.
One of the group’s dancers, Josephine Busingye, expressed excitement about sharing the stage with Shakira during one of the most watched sporting events on the planet. She said the group is eager to showcase its talent to a worldwide audience and represent Uganda on a historic platform.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA expects the tournament to become the largest edition in football history, featuring 48 national teams and reaching billions of viewers across television, streaming and digital platforms.
The growing presence of African artists throughout the tournament’s entertainment lineup reflects a broader shift taking place across the global creative landscape. Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts, African dance trends regularly drive social media engagement, and the continent’s cultural exports are becoming increasingly valuable contributors to the global entertainment industry.
As the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa will not simply participate in the celebration. Through stars such as Davido, Tyla, Rema and the Ghetto Kids, the continent is poised to help define the soundtrack, energy and cultural identity of football’s biggest event.
For Africa’s creative industry, the message is clear: the world is no longer discovering African talent. It is actively seeking it.
Breaking News Version
Davido, Tyla and Rema are set to headline major entertainment events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations, underscoring Africa’s growing influence on the global stage.
Davido will lead FIFA’s official World Cup Countdown Concert at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on June 10 alongside Major Lazer. Tyla is scheduled to perform in Mexico City on June 11 before joining Rema at SoFi Stadium during opening match festivities.
Uganda’s Ghetto Kids will also perform during the tournament and share the spotlight with international superstar Shakira.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and is expected to become the biggest tournament in FIFA history. The inclusion of African stars highlights the global rise of Afrobeats, African dance and the continent’s rapidly growing creative economy.
